The truth: should it be told?

[Susan]

http://www.cornerstonemag.com/features/iss098/public_trust.htm[font="Times,Times New Roman,CG Times"]


<P class=indent>. . . .In the first century, the apostle Paul could claim that the Resurrection “was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). Should Christians be so careless with the truth that we need to hide our corrupt leaders “in a corner” to preserve the faith rather than speak the truth and call those corrupt leaders to repentance and reconciliation?. . .

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[Gerry]

Sorry this was an incompleted post. See post below.

 

[Gerry]

Susan, unless you can define Christianity in a way that is accepted by all who claim it then there is no possible way to do what you are asking in love. If we are to judge Christians we are required to do it in love. But how do we define it.

How many different beliefs on Doctrinal issues are there in this forum alone.
Some say Catholics believe salvation lies within the Church and therefore they are not Christians. While some Catholics say anyone outside the Catholic Church are not Christians.

Some others say you must be baptized to be saved and others say no, and many on each side saying those with opposing views are not Christian.

So how do we decide who fits whose definition of Christian? If you are talking about exposing a sin in some person's life and bringing them to judgement and accountability in a public forum, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES are you to do that ever.

No where in God's Word is anyone ever given that right. If you do, you better be sure there is no sin in your life, because the Word teaches that you will receive the greater condemnation for it.

Jesus stated it VERY CLEARLY in John, chapter 8, verse 7: "So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."

I don't believe there are any of us without sin so none of us should cast stones at anyone.

If on the other hand you are talking about pointing out the fact that cultsare teaching false doctrines and their leaders are false prophets, then that is a different story altogether.

But even there you need to know what you are talking about. You need to hold up what they are teaching to the light of the Word and see that it does not line up, and be sure that the Word is your guide before you do it.

But I don't believe that Jesus sent us on a mission to seek and destroy Christians. He specifically says He saved us to BEAR Fruit, and to reproduce ourselves. With time running out as it is and with all the lost who desperately need Jesus, I believe we can better serve Jesus, by keeping our eyes firmly fixed on Him and doing all in our strength to obey all His commands. We need to seek His forgiveness and to grow and be busy telling the Good News of Jesus every where we go and in everyway we can.

I believe we should be busy building up and edifying rather than concentrating on the destruction of Christians who have sinned.

 

[Susan]

Did you even read the article, or just the last quote I posted?

 

[Gerry]

Indeed I did Susan, and if you are saying what I think you are saying, I agree. Recently a pastor where I live was caught in a sin and confronted in private by a group who cared and loved him. He did repent of his sin, but decided to resign and move on rather than have this sin exposed to the young and tender Christians, who would be adversley affected by it. In this case both repentence resulted and a bad effect on the innocent was avoided.

 

[fieldmouse3]

Moving this thread to a more appropriate forum.

 

[Caedmon]

I think it's important that we not become gossips. Those that spread falsehood, or even those that spread truth without love in their hearts, are doing wrong.

 

[Susan]

I agree, however if someone is committing blatant sin (and especially if his position as pastor/teacher/whatever is a large contributing factor to the sin) he should at least work behind the scenes rather than being front and center.

We do not put convicted embezzlers in charge of banks. Ever.

Why should we give those who lie, cheat, and steal in the spiritual realm another chance to fleece the flock?

 

[Caedmon]

Well yes, but I'm saying it should be done discreetly, and in love.

 

[coastie]

Susan, it's one thing to cop up to something you or a member of your organization did wrong... it's another thing completely to post it up on billboards.

It is VERY important that the issue is handled properly, and not brushed under the carpet, but when the integrity of the church is at stake, it is best to count your losses.

 

[Susan]

I agree with you. However a good example of whom I am talking about would be people like Peter Popoff. They come onto the scene as miracle-workers, get disproved, and hide for a while, then they're back on stage, doing the same thing they were doing before.

 

[coastie]

Originally posted by Susan
I agree with you. However a good example of whom I am talking about would be people like Peter Popoff. They come onto the scene as miracle-workers, get disproved, and hide for a while, then they're back on stage, doing the same thing they were doing before.

you know the old saying "fool me once, shame on you. Fool me again, shame on me."

I started a related thread not too long ago about the "ordaining" of ministers in various "Christian" sects and who regulates who should and should not be allowed to have their own church and teach false lessons and defame the name of Jesus through their balsphemy, and unchristian behaviors.

http://www.christianforums.com/threads/26873.html

 

[Susan]

I do wonder why no national Christian bookstore has not started selling wool sunglasses, because we sure seem to like having the wool pulled over our eyes. . .

Maybe they could stock them next to the Mike Warnke and Peter Popoff selections

Edited: sorry to the Hinn fans.

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Susan,

You seem ever intent at exposing everyones sins. What about your own sins and failures? You may not be in the limelight but you will stand before God just as these people will.

When God applies His fire to all of our works then what the truth really is will be exposed as burnt to a crisp and useless or as gold. It won't matter then what so and so said&nbsp;the truth was.

Lot's of people go around supposedly exposing false people but a lot of those exposers have also been exposed as liers and slanderers. How do you know for sure that what has been said or printed is the truth? Do you really know? Maybe they misunderstood. Maybe you misunderstood. How do you know, without a shadow of a doubt that you won't be slandering an innocent brother or sister? What about another brother or sister slandering you?

What if the person admits to failure?&nbsp; God gives us Godly ways to deal with it.&nbsp; Nowhere does it say the person cannot be restored to the ministry God called them too.&nbsp; And just because you consider that ministry to be&nbsp;false does not mean that God considers it false.

Until you've been there, in either position, you will never know the pain and hurt caused by an uncontrolled heart and tongue.

There but for the grace of God, go I . . .or you, or them.

 

[Susan]

I understand that I too will be judged someday.

However, a guilt trip and ad hominem attack is not appropriate.

"Ever intent on exposing everyone's sins?" Sorry. . .I am not that, if you have read many of my posts, I HAVE acknowledged my own fallenness. I have also not posted on many sins other than gossip, sick sexuality, fraud, and idol worship.

Fraudulent spiritual leaders are harmful to the cause of evangelism.

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Originally posted by Susan
I understand that I too will be judged someday.

However, a guilt trip and ad hominem attack is not appropriate.

"Ever intent on exposing everyone's sins?" Sorry. . .I am not that, if you have read many of my posts, I HAVE acknowledged my own fallenness. I have also not posted on many sins other than gossip, sick sexuality, fraud, and idol worship.

Fraudulent spiritual leaders are harmful to the cause of evangelism.

Sorry Susan,

I was not attacking you.&nbsp; I was merely pointing out that we all have sins that we will answer for and it is really a waste of time to point out others faults when I have too many of my own to work on.

Again, that does not mean that I should never talk with someone that needs to be talked to.&nbsp; I'm supposed to do is as Jesus instructed though.&nbsp; Any other way is out of order.&nbsp;

And, Happy Birthday.&nbsp; I tried to send it as a PM but your box was full.

Be blessed Susan!&nbsp;

 

[Susan]

Thank you! -^.^-